Lorraine Kelly fears for women in a “toxic” political climate.
She is aghast at the message modern politics sends to “our daughters”.
The presenter said the abuse directed at people in the public eye during divisive times is worrying.
Kelly, who has covered current affairs for decades, believes the levels of rage in politics have created a toxic atmosphere.
She admitted her programmes may be dismissed as “fluffy” compared to harder coverage, but hopes she can make the case for a kinder approach to news.
Kelly spoke at the ITV Palooza event at the Royal Festival Hall in London, where she was joined by stars of the channel’s biggest shows.
The presenter and journalist said her female contemporaries faced concerning challenges.
She said: “To be honest I think things have gotten terribly toxic. It is toxic, it is divisive.
“It does worry me, it really does worry me. In this atmosphere, you’ve got female politicians standing down because they’re intimidated, they’re scared.
“That’s problem. That’s the message we’re sending out to our daughters. It’s worrying.”
Kelly said that she hoped to show a different approach to the news cycle, with less invective, even if she is dismissed by other shows.
The presenter believes it is her role to help unite and offer a kinder discourse.
She said of partisanship in the news cycle: “What we try to do on our show is not be like that, it’s quite difficult sometimes. Sometimes we’re dismissed as being a bit fluffy. I don’t mind that.
“What we try to do is bring people together, and that’s quite hard right now.
“One thing we can do is try and be kinder to one another.”
Kelly was joined by ITV colleagues on the red carpet in London, with broadcasting opposite Piers Morgan in attendance, with Susanna Reid, Simon Cowell and the stars of Love Island also attending the glitzy event.